Could this organism make you sick?
This bacterium, called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, causes the disease Tuberculosis (TB). These bacteria usually attack the lungs. If left untreated, the infection can be fatal. Many other illnesses, mild and severe, are also caused by certain types of bacteria.
With so many species of bacteria, some are bound to be harmful. Harmful bacteria can make you sick. They can also ruin food and be used to hurt people.
There are also ways that bacteria can be harmful to humans and other animals. Bacteria are responsible for many types of human illness (Figure below), including:
- Strep throat
- Lyme disease
Luckily most of these can be treated with antibiotics.
The Black Death, which killed at least one third of Europe’s population in the 1300s, is believed to have been caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis.
Bacterial contamination of foods can lead to digestive problems, an illness known as food poisoning. Raw eggs and undercooked meats commonly carry the bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning can be prevented by cooking meat thoroughly and washing surfaces that have been in contact with raw meat. Washing your hands before and after handling food also helps prevent contamination.
Some bacteria also have the potential to be used as biological weapons by terrorists. An example is anthrax, a disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Inhaling the spores of this bacterium can lead to a deadly infection, and, therefore, it is a dangerous weapon. In 2001, an act of terrorism in the United States involved B. anthracis spores sent in letters through the mail.
antibiotic: Medicine that kills bacteria and cures bacterial infections and diseases.
food poisoning: Illness resulting from eating food contaminated with bacteria or other microbes.
spore: Reproductive structure; can be adapted for dispersal and survival in unfavorable conditions; found in bacteria, plants, algae, fungi, and some protozoa.
- Bacteria are responsible for many types of diseases in humans.
- Some bacteria can contaminate food and cause food poisoning.
- Some bacteria have been used as biological weapons by terrorists.
Use this resource to answer the questions that follow.
- How does infection by the bacteria Salmonella typhimurium begin? Do all bacterial infections start this way?
- Do all bacteria ingested make it to the intestines? Why or why not?
- What does Salmonella typhimurium compete with in the intestines?
- What are some possible effects of infection by Salmonella typhimurium? Will everyone exposed to this bacteria suffer these effects? Why or why not?
- What are the common bacteria that cause food poisoning?
- What steps can you take to keep your food safe?
- What are some examples of diseases caused by bacteria?
- How can you prevent food poisoning?